WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Ft. Campbell soldier, woman face child abuse charges

Ft. Campbell soldier, woman face child abuse charges

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - A Ft. Campbell soldier and an east Tennessee woman face charges stemming from an ongoing child abuse investigation.

Joseph Michael Smith and Michelle Ann Douglas, both 22 years old, were taken into custody Wednesday evening after detectives discovered a badly injured 18-month-old boy.

Clarksville police said detectives responded to a home on Eva Drive in Clarksville in reference to a possible case of child abuse to find the child with a broken arm, broken ribs, bruising around the thighs and face, and burn marks.

Detectives subsequently learned the child may have sustained the injuries at a home in Caryville, about 30 miles north of Knoxville, on Monday or Tuesday.

Smith and Douglas were booked into the Montgomery County jail on one count each of aggravated neglect/endangerment. 

Douglas is additionally charged with accessory after the fact after detectives revealed she may know how the child was injured.

The boy was taken to Vanderbilt's Children Hospital and is now in custody of the Department of Children's Services.

Smith and Douglas are prohibited from having contact with the child, police said.

Clarksville police said the investigation is ongoing.